Zebby Matthews – Minnesota Twins Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Zebby Matthews has quickly made a name for himself as a promising pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. Born on May 22, 2000, in Cullowhee, North Carolina, this young right-hander joined the Twins after they picked him in the 8th round (234th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft.

Matthews is currently playing under a pre-arbitration contract with the Twins, with just 0.048 years of service time as of January 2025.

Daniel Zebulon “Zebby” Matthews has turned heads with his pitching since joining the pros. He signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins, which is pretty standard for players just starting out in MLB.

While details about Matthews’ net worth aren’t floating around, rookie pitchers usually earn close to the league minimum as they try to prove themselves.

At 24, Matthews’ journey to the majors really shows off his work ethic and raw talent. After college, he climbed steadily through the Twins’ farm system and earned his spot on the major league roster.

A lot of fans and analysts are keeping a close eye on him, curious to see how he develops as he gets more time on the big stage.

Early Life and Background

Zebby Matthews, born Daniel Zebulon Matthews on May 22, 2000, in Cullowhee, North Carolina, started honing his baseball skills early. His rise from a small town to the Minnesota Twins really reflects his dedication and those strong community ties.

Family and Childhood

Matthews grew up in Cullowhee, a close-knit community in western North Carolina. Not much is out there about his family, but his unique name “Zebby” (short for Zebulon) hints at family traditions that shaped him.

He showed natural athletic ability as a kid, and his family encouraged him. Growing up in North Carolina’s mountains gave him plenty of chances to get outside, which probably helped him develop as an athlete.

The rural setting of western North Carolina, with its baseball culture, definitely played a role in his early days. Local community baseball programs often lay the groundwork for young talents in places like Cullowhee.

Education and Early Interests

Matthews went to Western Carolina University, where he pitched in college before getting drafted. The university is right in his hometown, so he got to stay close to his roots while studying.

While at Western Carolina, Matthews balanced his classes and his growing love for baseball. His stats in college caught the eyes of MLB scouts.

Besides baseball, Matthews probably enjoyed typical Appalachian activities like fishing and hiking. Those outdoor hobbies are popular in western North Carolina and help build the mental toughness you need in pro sports.

Hometown and Influences

Cullowhee, a tiny mountain town, shaped Matthews’ personality and athletic drive. The vibe there—like a lot of Appalachian towns—tends to build strong work ethics and resilience.

Local coaches and high school mentors must have played big parts in sharpening his pitching. In small towns, coaches often become major influences on young athletes.

Baseball in western North Carolina isn’t as big as in some other areas, but the region has produced a handful of notable players. Matthews probably found inspiration and competition there as he worked his way up.

Professional Career Overview

Zebby Matthews has emerged as a promising right-handed starting pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization. He’s worked his way up through the minors, showing steady improvement.

Debut and Minor Leagues

Matthews kicked off his pro baseball journey when the Minnesota Twins signed him on July 26, 2022. At 6’5″ and 225 pounds, he’s always cut an imposing figure on the mound.

He moved through the Twins’ farm system step by step. Coaches liked his mechanics and his knack for going deep into games.

The righty built a reputation for consistency and work ethic.

In 2024, Matthews reached Triple-A and joined the St. Paul Saints. His performance there got the front office’s attention.

Major League Baseball Journey

Matthews’ hard work paid off when the Twins selected his contract from St. Paul in July 2024. That move put him on the 40-man roster and gave him his first shot in the majors.

His MLB debut showed flashes of his potential, but also reminded everyone how tough it is for young pitchers to adjust. Matthews handled established hitters with some poise, though the competition definitely ramped up.

During his rookie season, he worked on his pitch selection and stamina. The Twins’ coaching staff focused on his long-term development instead of rushing him.

Notable Teams and Transfers

Matthews hasn’t bounced around between teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, or Cardinals. He’s stuck with the Twins, and that stability has helped him.

He signed a one-year contract with Minnesota, which shows the team’s commitment to letting him grow. The contract fits his rookie status but gives him the chance to prove himself.

He’s moved through the Twins’ minor league affiliates in this order:

• Rookie League
• Single-A
• Double-A (Wichita)
• Triple-A (St. Paul Saints)

The Twins have been careful with his workload, hoping to keep his arm healthy for the long haul.

Contracts and Financial Overview

Zebby Matthews’ career with the Twins comes with specific contract details that shape his financial situation in MLB. His current deal reflects his potential and his place in the Twins’ payroll.

Current MLB Contract Details

Matthews has signed a one-year contract with the Twins. It’s a simple, straightforward deal—his first major league contract.

Unlike some bigger contracts, Matthews’ agreement doesn’t have a signing bonus.

He’s slotted into the Twins’ 2025 payroll, joining other young talents. As a pitcher born in 2000, this contract lines up with what you’d expect for someone at this stage.

The Twins are betting on his talent, balancing their immediate needs with long-term flexibility.

Previous Contracts and Negotiations

Before the majors, Matthews went through the usual minor league contracts after college. Those deals follow MLB’s set structure and don’t leave much room for negotiation.

As he developed, Matthews worked through the standard pre-MLB contracts, which pay much less than major league deals. His path to the Twins followed the typical entry-level terms.

Negotiations at this stage probably focused more on his development than on maximizing his earnings. Matthews is already considered one of the top Twins assets for 2025, so his contract has kept pace with his progress.

Salary, Bonuses, and Payroll

Matthews fits into the Twins’ 2025 payroll as a relatively low-cost player compared to veterans. His base salary matches what you’d expect for someone with his experience.

The Twins juggle their budget by investing in young talent like Matthews while still paying established stars. Performance incentives might add to his guaranteed money, but those details haven’t been made public.

Minnesota’s payroll strategy leaves room for developing players while keeping resources available for their big names. Investing in young pitchers like Matthews seems like a smart move for their roster.

Matthews sits as a value piece in the Twins’ salary structure for 2025.

No-Trade Clauses and Arbitration Process

At this point in his career, Matthews doesn’t have much leverage for no-trade clauses. Teams usually reserve those for players with more service time or special circumstances.

He hasn’t been around long enough to qualify for arbitration, which usually starts after three years in MLB. Right now, the Twins control his contract and salary negotiations.

When he does reach arbitration, Matthews will have more chances to cash in—assuming he keeps developing. His status as a promising righty suggests he could see a nice bump in pay down the road.

For now, his contract is mostly in the Twins’ hands, per MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Zebby Matthews is just starting to build his financial profile as he establishes himself with the Twins. Most of his earnings come from his baseball contract, but he could see more growth from sponsorships and investments.

Estimated Net Worth

As a newer MLB player, Matthews’ net worth is still pretty modest compared to veterans. Drafted in the 8th round (234th overall) in 2022, his first contract reflects that draft slot.

He’s in the pre-arbitration phase, so he’s earning close to the league minimum under his one-year deal. Players at this stage usually have net worths between $100,000 and $500,000.

If he keeps progressing, his financial picture should grow a lot once he reaches arbitration and, eventually, free agency.

Major Endorsements and Sponsorships

Matthews’ endorsement game is still in its early days. Young players usually start with local deals before breaking into national sponsorships.

Most up-and-coming pitchers get equipment sponsorships first—think gloves and cleats. These deals usually mean free gear and a little extra money.

He might also find regional opportunities in Minnesota or back home in Cullowhee. As a 25-year-old pitcher with more attention, he’ll probably see more offers as he performs on the field.

Sports agents help players like Matthews sort out these deals, but the main focus stays on baseball.

Business Ventures and Investments

Matthews, born in 2000, is part of a new wave of athletes who care about financial literacy and investing early.

While he hasn’t shared details, a lot of MLB players his age work with advisors to set up retirement accounts and conservative investments. The Players Association offers resources to help them make good choices.

Some players buy real estate or invest in small businesses back home. Matthews hasn’t talked publicly about any ventures yet, but as a pro pitcher for the Twins, he’ll have opportunities.

As he moves forward in his career, his investment strategy will probably branch out—maybe even into entrepreneurship.

Playing Style, Achievements, and Personal Life

Zebby Matthews has carved out his own style on the mound while building his reputation with the Twins. His story isn’t just about stats—his interests and personality off the field shape who he is, too.

Playing Style and Strengths

Matthews brings a polished pitching arsenal to the mound, and that’s helped him move quickly through the Twins’ farm system. He throws with a mechanically sound delivery, and his arm angle makes it tough for hitters to pick up the ball early.

He shows excellent command. If you check his walk rate, you’ll see he really controls the zone.

Working both sides of the plate has become a bit of a trademark for him. Opponents just can’t settle in.

His fastball sits in the low-90s and has some nice movement. He’s still working on a changeup and a breaking ball, but both are coming along.

Matthews keeps hitters off-balance by mixing speeds and changing eye levels. It’s a simple approach, but it works.

Scouts have pointed out his composure, especially when things get tight. Even with runners on, he rarely looks rattled.

That mental toughness? It’s one of the things that’s pushed his development as a pro.

Major Achievements and Awards

The Twins drafted him in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, and since then he’s climbed their developmental ladder step by step. Being picked 234th overall says a lot about the team’s belief in his upside.

At Western Carolina University, Matthews stood out and earned conference recognition for his pitching. Those college performances really boosted his draft profile.

He’s managed to stay healthy so far—no major injuries and, thankfully, no Tommy John surgery. That’s pretty rare these days and has let him get more innings under his belt.

His minor league numbers just keep getting better. Strikeouts are up, ERA is down—he seems to adapt well as the competition gets tougher.

Personal Interests and Causes

When he’s not playing baseball, Matthews tries to keep his life pretty balanced. He was born in Cullowhee, North Carolina on May 22, 2000, and honestly, his small-town roots still mean a lot to him.

He really cares about community engagement, especially with youth baseball programs in places that remind him of home. Matthews loves giving back, which says a lot about the values he picked up growing up.

Whenever he manages to find a little free time during the baseball season, he heads outside to clear his head. Fishing and hiking? Those are probably his favorite ways to unwind.

Matthews keeps his personal life pretty private. He mostly lets his baseball career do the talking, but he still tries to connect with fans in real, genuine ways at ballparks all over the minor leagues.